hi,
so for years ive had health anxiety around my cervix and a huge fear of developing cervical cancer. ive had this fear since i was raped at 16, and bled after sex. it is literally ruining my life, and im scared it will affect my relationship. constantly in a state of fear, and cant get to a doctor to check me over until this is over (covid). put on sertraline today and im just so exhausted 
would really like some support if anyone can offer x
Hi Ge, I am so sorry you had to go through that horrifying experience, I KNOW the best thing you can do is to get a good counsellor…be honest about ALL those emotions(hate, fear, loss of control, guilt & etc…) take each one head on and work through it(even if it takes a long time) if you don’t deal with it NOW, it will follow you around and you will continue to have problems of all kinds…then you will deal with regret, most women end up self medicating, isolating, anxiety & fear take over & it effects them, until they deal with it…Don’t let some CRIMINAL, who violated you, have one more minute of your time!! Do not punish yourself, for his actions, this isn’t your fault, you didn’t ask for it but, you do have to deal with it, so you can have the wonderful life you deserve!!! It is important to have regular exams for your sexual health & well being, they do swabs and your test results will tell you where to go from there…tell your DR & counsellor your concerns, the Dr can tell you the facts, that the two are not related & counsellor can explain why your assault has triggered this anxiety. Medication can help (don’t be afraid to use it if it helps you, esp. until you deal with some sources of anxiety)but, therapy is the solution, if its not covered, find a support group(there are lots)…they are survivors too & it can really help you…you can chat me up ANYTIME, even private message if you like, you may find other supporters on here besides me but, I will help anyway I can…take care of yourself & BEST WISHES:wedding:
Hi,
I’m 37 and had pre cancerous cells removed by letz three years ago. I’ve had another smear since then which was clear. I’m now back to once every three years. What i have learnt along my journey is that the reason smears are this length apart is because it takes a long time for cells to change with the virus that causes it. Therefore if you have your regular checks then you should keep on top of it. I’m so sorry you experienced something so horrible when you were 16. As i understand it, the more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to be exposed to the virus hpv which can lead to cervical cancer. But you could just have one soulmate partner that unbeknown may have had others before you. Therefore you wouldn’t really be any more likely than any of us. Be it a one night stand or unprotected sex with a long term boyfriend. I have only had three partners my whole life. I was in long term relationships with all of them (not at the same time) and not promiscuous. I’ve no idea how or when i may have been exposed, but at the time I had the problem with cell change i was going through a very stressful traumatic time, so probably had compromised immunity. They think most people will have been exposed to it at some point in their lifetime. But most peoples immune system shakes it anyway. Try not to worry. Just always attend your smears and you’ll be fine x x
hi, thank you for your reply, i hope youre doing well! im only 21 so i dont have smears yet, although i would really like one to put my mind at ease 
im a natural panicker at everything unfortunately
thanks for being so kind x
thank you so much!! you are very kind, i appreciate it a lot <3
im a natural worrier and it just never stops:( i will take you up on that message ! xxx
First of all im sorry you went through that, big hugs.
What country are you in? You can still go to the Dr and get all your normal health care needs met.
Get a pap test done, it will ease your mind and get them done when they are due to be done. Cervical cancer is a very slow growing cancer so if you get your tests done when they are due catching it early is very easy. (and of course the test isnt comfortable but better then the alternative)
As soon as you are sexually active you need to start getting pap tests, theres no “age” to start getting them done, its from when you start having intercourse.
Big hugs x
hi!!
thanks for your kind words, im from the UK and only 21 so unfortunately here they do put an age on it, however they said they will do a cervical check so theyll have a look at it and check it looks healthy and whatnot and feels healthy, so that will be helpful to put my mind at ease.
also doctors offices are closed here too and wont accept face to face consultations unless they deem it an emergency, hopefully my mind will let me rest soon!
thanks again for your kindness, big hugs back! x